Exploring The Best Waterfalls In Iceland

Iceland is bar far one of the most extraordinary places we have been. We spent just 3 full days in Iceland and managed to see so much but one thing really stood out to us, Waterfalls. Due to the natural mountains and glaciers along the Icelandic countryside, there is an abundance of waterfalls to see. Here we explored the best waterfalls in Iceland…

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Selijalandsfoss waterfall is first on our best waterfalls in Iceland. It is a tall but thin beautiful waterfall that you can walk behind and look out through the falling water. The waterfall is usually found on the South Shore tour. The waterfall provides stunning views from all around and is a once in a lifetime achievement.

Never before have I been able to walk behind a waterfall but this one I could. We did get a little wet but it was well worth it. The view not just looking at the waterfall but from behind the waterfall is stunning.

There are barriers along the waterfall to mark out a clear safe path to walk. There is also stairs and steps built into the wall edge to make getting up and down from the waterfall safer. I would still recommend sensible footwear if you are looking to visit the back of the waterfall.

Skogafoss Waterfalls

Skogafoss waterfalls are one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland. It is a 60-meter giant that you can get as close as you like, there is nothing stopping you. The waterfall runs into a river at ground level and through that creates its own rainbows. You can visit the waterfall on your own or part of a tour, the tour you would need is the South Shore Adventure.

There is the option to climb at the side of the waterfall to get to the top to see the stunning view of the drop. If you are lucky enough to visit on a clear sunny day you may be in with a chance of spotting a rainbow or two. We spent most of our time there taking pictures with the rainbows at different places as we saw so many. The beauty of the waterfall is the calm trickle of the river that flows after it, perfect for sitting and taking in the scenery.

Gullfoss Falls

This is the popular waterfall seen on the Golden Circle tours in Iceland. The Gullfoss waterfall is very close to the Geysirs just 10 minutes drive away. The wonderous waterfall is a double fall waterfall and has an impressive height of 32 metres. There is much to explore when visiting Gullfoss waterfalls, varying from the close-up platforms for the enthusiasts that don’t mind getting wet. Or there are platforms at a peak height looking down on the falling water for the dryer views.

I would advise if you were to visit to wear waterproof clothing especially if you are wanting to get as close as you can to the waterfall. Which you should as the views are stunning.

Faxi Waterfalls

Faxi waterfall is a popular stop on the Golden Circle tours. The waterfall itself is described as wide and serene, also known as a smaller Gullfoss but without the power. Faxi waterfall is found in the Tungufljót River located on the southern area of Iceland.

The waterfall is 80 meters wide and seven meters high with only one drop. While on the Golden Circle tour you can see the waterfall from the edge of the bank above though there is a closer viewing platform below. You can walk down to the platform to get closer to the waterfall and feel the spray of the water.

Dettifoss Waterfall

Dettifoss is located in the Vatnajökull glacier and is said to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. The waterfall itself is a massive 100m wide and drops a great 45m. The waterfall isn’t just popular for its sheer size and velocity but it was also used in the film Prometheus.

The waterfall is located in the northern part of Iceland in the National park. Dettifoss is so popular that it is said to be the best waterfalls in Iceland.

Goðafoss Waterfall

Goðafoss is located on the river Skjálfandafljót in the Northern part of Iceland. The river itself is the 4th largest in Iceland. The waterfall is 30 metres wide and 12 metres high, not as large as some of the others but still as impressive and earns its name on the list of best waterfalls in Iceland.

The name of the waterfall means waterfall of the gods or Goði meaning chieftain or priest. It is said that when the leader Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði changed the country to Christianity he threw the old statues of the gods into the waterfall.

Check out the map below to plan a route to visit some of the best waterfalls in Iceland.

If you have been to Iceland before and have experienced other amazing waterfalls, let us know and we can add them to our best waterfalls in Iceland list. Also if you are looking to join one of the tours to explore Iceland better, check out our review on the South Shore Adventure.

About Us

We've been travelling the world together since we met and fell in love (aww!) back in 2014.

We decided to share our adventures online, mainly so my mum knew I was ok... but also because we wanted to help other travellers with advice and information we wish we'd known when we set out on the open road for an adventure.

We'd love your feedback about our site, so feel free to contact us via social media or using the 'contact' link above.

Trips 100

Disclosure

This site uses affiliate links. We only link to products and services we’ve used / use ourselves and recommend highly.

We would not recommend you our readers any product or service that has not been thoroughly vetted by ourselves.

We are also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.